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08/17/08 09:45 AM

#704

Any discussions on the relative merits of motorcycles in general should also include the fact that mine, a relatively large and fuel inefficient bike, gets 55 mpg.

After THS I bought a brand new Honda 450 while in college. Took every dime I had to buy this thing. Even had to borrow a cheap helmet and finance the insurance. One summer between college classes I was a security guard at Hampton General Hospital (I think that was the name of the place). Because I was so proud of my bike, they'd call me to the ER every time a bike accident patient came in. Wasn't a problem for me until I saw a guy come in without much of his face left and they basically comforted him until he died. I immediately went out and borrowed more money for a full faced helmet and have only used full faced helmets since.

Life is full of risks. Today I don't have much of my right knee left because of a drunk driver that hit me while I was sitting at a stop light (in a car). I haven't snow skied since that accident in 2001.

The trend in the last 15 years or so is for middle aged guys (i.e. mid life crisis types) to buy a Harley and put about 200 miles a year on it. It mostly sits in their garage while they polish it. Perhaps that's the perfect compromise?

More differences between women and Harleys:

If you bring your Harley into the house each night, then your friends will tell you that you are too in love with it.

B. Noz.

08/17/08 09:50 AM

#705

Bruce Nozolino

Reminder to all:

I'm auctioning an autographed Ted Nugent CD for the benefit of the THS reunion. It's a single song CD entited "I Am The NRA". There's a pic of Ted signing it in my profile.

Bidding continues until there are 100 members indicated on the THS website. I believe the count is about 95 right now.

And, it's been a month or two but I think the high bidder is Louie with $30.

B. Noz.

08/18/08 09:34 PM

#706

Louie Luongo

Hey Steve,
When I said,"And you don't have to worry that your Harley will let some else ride it if you leave the motor running". I wasn't exactly talkin about Harley's...lol

I rode for about 10 years after high school and only had one close call. Mark Kepley and I were coming back from VA Beach one night on Shore Drive and a car ran a red light going into Little Creek. To make it worse it had been raining a little which added to the slip factor. The trick was getting the right combination of brake, rear tire slide, release and not slam into the side of the car. It sure scared the crap out of me.

One of my funniest bike stories was when a bumble bee flew up my jacket sleeve and stung me on the elbow. I looked like an idiot going down 17 flapping my arm trying to get that bee out of my jacket. Eventually had to pull off at the 7-11 at old Oyster Point Rd. To bad Hoss's wasn't there back then. Hoss's was still a Tiny Giant.

08/19/08 07:54 PM

#707

Bruce Nozolino

Louie, my motorcycle story ...

In 82 I bought a new Honda 450. When my college roomie saw it he wanted to take it for a ride. It was too shiney and new, so I was a jerk and refused to let him ride it.

Forward to 86; This ex-roommate came down to be the best man in my wedding in FL. While drunk on the golf course he mentions how I was a jerk that day he asked to ride my Honda. I agree with him and take him to my house. I pull out my Harley and make him ride it up and down my street (drunk as all getout) until he agrees to forgive me for being a jerk.

Forward to 2006; I'm at this ex-roommate's house in KY and we are reflecting on times past while drinking. He reveals to me that he dumped my Harley back in 86, and has been afraid to tell me this for 20 years!

B. Noz.

08/20/08 01:08 AM

#708

Stephen Bradbury

I realized that way after I posted Lou - LOL

Odd enough Bruce,
I learned to ride on a 450 Honda.
My Dad had got one for the commute to the ship yard in 78. I recall replacing the turn signals twice, both from soft landings while doing donuts in the Tabb Int. Fields.

FW: 1980 - Took out my first bank loan to own a brand new 440ltd Kaw. I was working Hampton at Teledyne Hasting as a machinist. (My car at the time was a Chrysler Newport custom.) FW:81 I was route 17 near the 7/11 across from club 17. A lady pulled out from the trailer court in front of me. I was grabbing handfuls of front brake. Kenny O’Neil was on his bike behind me. As she speed up and I slowed down we almost missed. I just barly touched her rear bumper. With the handful of front brake it locked the front wheel. Instant launch - by then was going slow and only minor scuffs to the bike. (Oh - and I was ok too)
FW:83 The 440 LTD met her end on the right side of a FORD LTD station wagon. I going down Jefferson and the guy turned into the Jolly Lobster (the disco if you recall) from the on coming lane. My first words were get my bike out off road I can't push it with a broken arm. (the arm was fractured and not to serious as it turned out). I had flipped over the car and landed on my back in the middle of the road. My helmet broke out his rear window. The rear bumper still had my boot stuck in it between the body of the car and the bumper.
>Time passes<
I rode off and on during the next few years never owning one for very long. A varaity of cruisers and rockets. But, I had gotten spoiled to not having to ride in the rain. Having a bike was a nice toy but really bites as your only transportation.

I bought the current broken Kaw in 1998 road it for 11k miles before the vavle dropped and killed it. I added jets to the carb, free flowed the exhast and tweaked the camshaft. The numbers were nice for an 805cc V twin. the model is VN800 A, (see link at bottom). She sits in the garage with great paint and like new tires just waiting for a new power plant.

The other toy seems to be taking up funds atm. I have 67mustang I have been working on a few years now. It needs paint and some other touches to make nice. I keep it inspected and road worthy as emergency vehicle.

Sorry for long post
I did not realize I was writting such a book.

http://www.cyclechaos.com/wiki/Image:1998-kawasaki-vn800-a4.jpg

08/20/08 07:10 AM	#709
Louie Luongo Hey, This is starting to sound like that scene in the Jaws movie where they compare scars. I'm either feeling like I should have been more daring and got a few scars or I was very fortunate (lucky as hell) that I didn't. Hey Doug, got any motorcycle battle scars???

08/20/08 07:23 AM

#710

Louie Luongo

Hey All,

We've noticed that the website has slowed down a little and we want to remind everyone to get in touch with your old buddies from high school and get them on board.

We also want to throw out that it would be best if we refrain from talking about politics especially in light of the current political scene. Many people on both sides of the spectrum feel very strongly about their political believes and the last thing we want is for any Alumni to feel any sort of hostility. So let's keep it fun and a safe place for everyone to enjoy.

Thanks

08/20/08 12:05 PM

#711

Lisa Wilson (Kimm)

Thank you Louie .... I totally agree.

We just took my oldest to college yesterday. Boy, that was really hard. It was a blast to help her set up her dorm room and meet all her suite mates. I surprised myself that I was able to hold back the tears until I got in the car to leave. She ... on the other hand ... is having a BALL!!! She's always been independent and seems to be handling it just fine. The house is pretty quiet now .... even her little brother misses her. Luckily she is only 2 hours away.

08/20/08 01:14 PM

#712

Louie Luongo

Hey Lisa, haven't you already moved to Northern VA?

Hey did all you Bethel Manor folks go to the shopette and youth center? Well the old shopette has been totally torn down to make way for an addition on the Youth Center. The youth center project bids on August 28th. Hopefully I'll when the bid. Plans call to tear down half of the existing building and leave only the gymnasium and then add a 15000 square foot addition. The project should be roughly 75% complete by reunion weekend.

08/20/08 03:12 PM

#713

Terri Duncan (McDonald)

Lisa, I am not looking forward to that day next year. Just going to LOOK at colleges, and I get all teary eyed. My girlfriend helped her daughter move (she got an apt in lieu of a dorm room) and made it almost home before she cried. She said it hit her when she passed the elementary school. Tearing up just thinking about it, lol. I think it will be even harder when the youngest leaves the nest!

I would have put in my 2 cents about all the motorcycles stuff, but I didn't think you all would want to hear about a moped, lol. :)

And, yes, Louie, I did frequent the Shopette and rec center. I'm surprised that it hasn't been torn down before now. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you win the bid! Good luck.

08/20/08 07:44 PM

#714

Doug Long

Louie,

Yes, I've had my share of mishaps on two wheels. When I was in the Army I was traveling down I-20 in SC heading back to the base on my buddy's Honda CB900F when I had a front tire blow-out, hit the road at about 60mphs, but was wearing a leather riding suit (his) and a Bell helmet (also his). Totaled the bike, suit, helmet and suffered alot of road rash...I was very lucky. When I was a Park Ranger I patrolled on on/off road bikes, I got hit head-on by a car on the main park road, landed on the hood/roof and only ripped my uniform pants. The bike was totaled, the car was very dented as well as had a broken windshield. The driver was charged with reckless driving. I ate the dirt a few other times while patrolling the trail systems over the years with just scraps and minor cuts and stuff. A couple of years ago while trying to avoid a vehicle I had to break hard, skiding and layed the bike down breaking 6 ribs on my right side, road rash etc, my girlfriend was with me, she hurt her right hip, AT cuff and suffered road rash as well. The driver that caused it left the scene, but I had wittnesses who stayed and helped us and in the long run everything turned out ok. I'm still riding the same bike today and love it....risk and all. I'll ride until the day I can't anymore.

08/20/08 08:44 PM

#715

Lisa Wilson (Kimm)

Yes Louie we're in Virginia now. Moved in our house July 25th, furniture arrived the 30th and we still have boxes. But I'm glad to be back. Terri ... it was the hardest thing I've had to do was to drive away. Almost as bad as holding them down for a shot or something. I'm happy that she's excited. It would make it worse if she was nervous or scared. But it's still hard.

I remember the Bethel Manor shoppette. I can't believe it's still there. Good luck with that Louie.

Lori Ann .... if you're out there .... it was REALLY good talking to you the other day. I need to make a trip down there.

08/20/08 11:45 PM

#716

Bruce Nozolino

Damn Doug, you must take a while to get out of bed in the mornings nowadays!

I rode for the most of 30 years and never even had a close call until two years ago. Then again, I never broke 85 mph on a bike until I got my current ride in 2005.

Two years ago I turned off a main road onto a side road in the downtown district. I immediately saw a car 300 yards away sitting in the middle of the road facing me. Since this wasn't right (the car looked stalled with no blinker or any other clue as to it's intentions), I didn't accelerate out of the turn. I approached the car doing 25 mph while covering the brakes. When I got within 50 yards I could see the driver with a cell phone to her head and it was obvious that she was looking right past me (i.e. not seeing me). When I got up to her, she did a left turn into me, not in front or behind me, but right into me.

I hit the ground after locking up from a mere 25 mph and it hurt! The gas tank landed on my foot making me think it was broken, but it was only sprained. That gas tank has a perfect impression of the side of my foot in it.

If that lady would have had her blinker on then I'd probably have been doing 45 mph when she turned into me and the results would have been much worse. The amount of damage to my helmet and leather jacket from falling off at less than 25 mph was incredible. I can't imagine what a 45 mph spill would have been like.

I'm now convinced that we should ban cell phones while driving, female drivers, or both.

B. Noz.

08/21/08 09:49 AM

#717

Gina Valentine (Stevens)

Hey Lisa! Welcome back to Virginia! and hey to Steve Bradbury and hey to all the rest of y'all too.

Been busy makin' stuff for the Poquoson Seafood Fest and haven't been too computered lately. So I do apologize for my MIA status.

I ran into Donald Smith at Costco (finally)... he recognized me but couldn't do the name. I reminded him that I was his 4th grade campaign manager and then he remembered.. that was interesting! :)

gotta run... just wanted to say hey and do a check in.

08/21/08 06:21 PM

#718

Doug Long

Bruce,

I can still get up pretty good in the mornings, it's those days when it's gonna rain soon that I feel every thing that I've broke in my body. But all in all I've been lucky considering the amount of miles I've riden opposed to the mishaps. My 2004 Ultra Classic has 45,000 miles on it (mostly city/highway riding). It had 2 when I bought it. I ride almost everyday unless it's snowing, ice on the road or it's below 40 with rain. Sooner or later the odds will catch up with you when you ride that much. But hey, I'll take two wheels over four any day that I can. Life is short, tomorrow isn't promised to any of us, so live for the day, is what I say! If you live in fear, are you really living?

08/21/08 11:41 PM

#719

Bruce Nozolino

Hey Doug,

You reminded me of what my ex father-in-law used to say to kids. "Sonny boy, you ever wake up and just feel like crap? When you get to be my age, that's the best you feel all day!" I found myself saying that to a teenager a couple years ago. :)

Since gas went above $2.50/gallon, I've only filled my truck up twice. I was on the road for 14 weeks and ride the bike almost exclusively these days. In the winter time my cutoffs are 36 degree temps, snow, or the day after snowing when all the sand is still on the road. Folks talk about winterizing their bike and I'm not sure what they mean.

Here in Colorado they sometimes put a chemical mixture on the road to stop ice from forming. Last year they put a bad mixture out one day -- that immediately formed into ice. A co-worker hit that stuff on his bike and broke his leg.

B. Noz.

08/22/08 05:35 AM	#720
Doug Long Bruce, Too funny.....I gotta use that "Sonny Boy" saying now! Thanks, that one has me smiling :).

08/22/08 05:48 PM

#721

Patty Lia (Heath)

Well we are officially less than a year away from the reunion with lots of classmates still to find. If everyone could take a minute and click on missing classmates and see if you know how to reach any of them.(even if everyone found just one) There are several we have contacted who just haven't logged on, so the more email invites they get the more chance they will join. Thanks everybody!!

08/24/08 09:49 AM	#722
Louie Luongo Hey, does anyone remember Mike London? He went to Tabb in our Freshmen year and then moved to Bethel. There's an awesome article in todays Daily Press Sports section about him. He is now the Head Football Coach at the University of Richmond. The link is below if you want to check it out. http://www.dailypress.com/sports/dp-spt_london0824aug24,0,2255763.column

08/24/08 04:32 PM	#723
Terri Duncan (McDonald) I do, I do! He was a great guy. Off to read the article now.

08/25/08 10:19 PM	#724
Louie Luongo Here's an update on David Walters from Tabb. See the link below to today article in the Daily Press. http://www.dailypress.com/sports/olympics/dp-local_olympian_0825aug25,0,7522058.story

08/27/08 05:17 AM

#725

Gina Valentine (Stevens)

Oh boy! an official gold medalist that originated from our humble school! That's too cool... Congrats to him. :)

08/27/08 07:26 PM	#726
Doug Long Is the "Chat" working? If so, does anyone else ever try to use it besides me? I'm just wondering cause I have never been on it when someone has been on it at the same time!!!!

08/27/08 09:31 PM	#727
David Emmons Doug Lou and I tried it tonight and jut a few minutes ago (9:20) to be exact when I logged in I saw you logout

08/28/08 06:06 AM	#728
Doug Long Dave, Thanks.....I thought thats what was happening....thanks for checking it out.

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